This felt like it started good and then everything kind of went downhill.

My biggest complaint is that it reads like a YA novel without actually being one. I'm pretty sure Alix and Tyler and Sebastian and others are supposed to be in their early thirties but their actions and conversations feel much younger. Lauren feels like a high schooler.

Tons of interesting themes and topics are brought up over the course of this story. Unfortunately, none of them are explored with any kind of depth. It's like they're included for the shock factor of the moment and then swept under the rug. There's also a lot of telling and not enough showing.

There's zero spice. That in and of itself wouldn't bother me (not everything needs to be spicy) but the romantic scenes feel defensive. Like they're apologizing and defending themselves for not being spicy? There was a weird tone. Also, the whole romantic storyline was very insta-love and I didn't like that one bit.

The sense of place is on point, though! It's very wintry and delightful. Another reviewer said it best: this reads like a Hallmark movie.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.